Stakeholders at the community orientation sessions organized by the Society for Family Health (SFH), in collaboration with the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board (BSPHCB), have reaffirmed their dedication to promoting and advocating for the Delivering Innovation in Self-care (DISC 2.0) project.
The orientation meeting, which were conducted across 18 implementing local government areas in Bauchi State, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, Ward Development Committees (WDCs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), representatives of women’s support groups, individuals with disabilities, Mama2Mama, and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN).
The sessions also had in attendance key Local Government Area (LGA) Stakeholders including the LGA Chairmen, Health Supervisory Councilors, M&E officers, and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) officials.
Speaking at the event, Alhaji Sulaiman Abdu Kirfi, Director of Primary Health Care in Bauchi Local Government, underscored the importance of child spacing contraceptives in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. He stressed that proper use of these services would lead to improved health outcomes across the state.
He also called on traditional and religious leaders to actively support the DISC 2.0 initiative by sensitizing their communities about the benefits of child spacing for both men and women. He praised SFH for introducing the self-injection method, which reduces the need for frequent visits to health facilities for FP services.
Abdu Kirfi also emphasized the importance of involving men in child spacing services and decision making, highlighting the role of WDCs and community resource groups, such as Fathers for Good Health, in championing the DISC 2.0 initiative. This, he said, would significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes.
The Bauchi State Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer for the SFH DISC 2.0 project – Auwal Mohammed, explained that the project aims to empower individuals in low-income communities to improve their health through self-care practices. These practices include adopting healthy behaviors, preventing diseases, and managing minor illnesses.
He noted that the orientation was designed to equip stakeholders with the knowledge to improve access to essential self-care products, such as contraceptives, menstrual health products, and over-the-counter medications, especially for vulnerable populations. This effort also aims to support informed decision-making among couples.
The project is focused on educating women about child spacing and self-injection practices while mobilizing communities through outreach programs. He emphasized that the DISC Family Planning (FP) strategies would enhance maternal and child health by promoting child spacing and reducing high-risk pregnancies, thereby strengthening the health system in Bauchi State.
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